Photo by
Kobi Gideon/GPO/TPS-IL on 19 February, 2026
Herzog Sends Ramadan Greetings to Iran, Urges End to Tehran’s ‘Reign of Terror’
Jerusalem, 19 February, 2026 (TPS-IL) -- Israeli President Isaac Herzog extended a message of hope to the Iranian people as American forces continued amassing in the Middle East.
“I want to send the people of Iran best wishes for the month of Ramadan. I truly hope and pray that this reign of terror will end and that we will see a different era in the Middle East,” Herzog said during a tour of the Civil-Military Coordination Center (CMCC) near Kiryat Gat.
“The Iranian regime has butchered and slaughtered tens of thousands of Iranians in recent weeks. They have clearly employed a ruthless regime all over Iran, causing huge suffering,” Herzog said.
The comments came as additional U.S. jets, refueling tankers, and two aircraft carrier strike groups arrived in the region or were on their way for expected strikes on Iranian nuclear and ballistic missile facilities and other military targets.
The CMCC is a joint Israeli-American center that coordinates humanitarian and reconstruction efforts for Gaza.
Herzog’s visit to the CMCC included briefings from senior military officials, including Major General Yaki Dolf, the IDF commander of the CMCC, and Major General John Bowlin of the U.S. Army, who serves as the CMCC’s director. The president observed the center’s operations, highlighting the international cooperation it fosters.
Herzog also praised the CMCC’s mission. “We are looking forward to a future of hope in Gaza following the decision of the Board of Peace and the implementation of the 20-Point Peace Plan of President [Donald] Trump and the UN Security Council resolution. You see something being created. You see something new. You see hope in the air, and you see very serious plans that can offer a different avenue for the people of Gaza,” he said.
Trump is set to preside over the first meeting of his Board of Peace in Washington on Thursday. The agenda includes disarming Hamas and providing funding for Gaza’s reconstruction and humanitarian aid. Trump is expected to announce that $5 billion has been raised from participating countries.
Delegations from 47 countries, plus the European Union, are scheduled to attend, though none are from Russia, China, Britain, or France — which are permanent members of the United Nations Security Council. Israel will be represented by Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar.
